Explaining Diabetes to younger siblings

[Gaia]

Joey is my middle child ( We also have an 18 yr old & almost 6 y.o. twins). I was just wondering how others explained an older brother or sister having diabetes to the younger kids. When Joey first went in the hospital, all we told Don & Lanie was that he was sick and the doctors & nurses were helping him get better. Once he was out of ICU, we let them visit him, which made them feel better. The nurses said that they could have visted in the ICU, but at that point Joey had an IV in each arm, pulse ox & leads on his chest for heart rate, resps, and pulse. We thought that might scare them. Also, I was staying w/ Joey 24/7 except to come home for a shower & change of clothes once his GM got there.

Once he was home, we told them that Joey has to poke his finger alot, watch what he eats & give himself medicine with a needle. Of course the needle & lancets scared them at first but they are more comfortable now. Donovan let Joey test his blood sugar & was so proud of himself for being a big boy LOL. Lanie, well she says no way. They both can look on almost any package and tell me what the carbs are. The Pink Panther book was helpful too. I explained to them that P.P. has diabetes too and they thought that was neat & flipped thru looking at the pics.

How did everyone else explain? Have I forgotten anything or does anyone have any suggestions?

[Momof4gr8kids]

I think you did well.
I'd ask them if they have any questions. Then answer any questions they have in a way they will understand. Julia is 7, and she can school adults in diabetes very well, and has been able to do that since she was 5, so I think they'll understand quite a bit, you just have to put it into child's terms and answer lots of questions. After you answer their questions or if they didn't have any I'd be sure to let them know that they are welcome to ask later if they think of a question later.

[Boo]

My husband explained to my 2 younger boys (6 and 4 at the time) that insulin was like a "key" to unlock the cells so that the food that Andy ate could go into the cells and be turned into energy. Without the key (insulin) the food would just be flushed out of his body and his cells would not be able to make any energy for his body.

I was frankly amazed at how well the kids remembered that little talk.

As for the ICU...mute point now, but I would have let the kids visit if they were allowed and if he were up for visitors. Sometimes I think the unknown is much scarier. When they can see their sibling and perhaps talk and watch a tv show with them, it can help them to know that he's still the same and that everything will be okay. Every kid is different though, and you know your kids best.